Vehicle safety system for preventing child abandonment and related methods

ABSTRACT

A vehicle safety system is for preventing child abandonment in a vehicle. The vehicle safety system may include a flow sensor for fuel in the vehicle, and a controller coupled to the flow sensor and a seat sensor. The controller may be configured to detect when the vehicle is in a fueling state based upon the flow sensor, and detect occupancy of a child safety seat based upon the seat sensor. The controller may be configured to if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a first time period, then cause the vehicle to enter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a second time period greater than the first time period, then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon prior filed copending application Ser.No. 15/469,354 filed Mar. 24, 2017, the entire subject matter of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of automotive systems, and,more particularly, to automotive safety systems and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Since 1998, an average of 37 kids per year (one every 9 days) has diedof heat stroke due to being left in vehicles with the highest number offatalities for a one-year time period being in 2010 with 49 deaths. From1990-2015, child vehicular heat stroke deaths total 755. It is easy toplace a child in a vehicle and head off to work via the daycare, butforget a child is onboard if the infant/child falls asleep during thecommute or the driver is distracted.

In some approaches to this problem, the systems include temperaturesensors as the source to provoke the system to alarm. Some of theseapproaches do not incorporate a driver exit alert and allow a driver toleave the vehicle with the child left inside. Those that do offer anexit alert suggest after a certain amount of time has lapsed and thetemperature had reached a certain threshold, the vehicle alarm systemwould be triggered to alert of the situation. Some approaches generatean alarm when temperature reaches a certain point and when motion isdetected as well. Some approaches have removable sensors that in thelong run could possibly be damaged or lost, and some approaches allowthe driver to turn the systems off.

Moreover, some approaches intermittently monitor throughout driving, andother approaches include complex receiver units adjacent to the vehiclebelt buckle. If this receiver unit is out of alignment or blocked, thedriver wouldn't get any alerts. Some approaches use different coloredflashing lights for alerting the driver of issues. The disclosedapproaches may have drawbacks; the drawbacks include gaps and lapses intheir security features.

SUMMARY

Generally, a vehicle safety system is for preventing child abandonmentin a vehicle. The vehicle safety system may include a flow sensor forfuel in the vehicle, at least one seat sensor respectively associatedwith at least one child safety seat within the vehicle, and a controllercoupled to the flow sensor and the at least one seat sensor. Thecontroller may be configured to detect when the vehicle is in a fuelingstate based upon the flow sensor, and detect occupancy of the at leastone child safety seat based upon the at least one seat sensor. Thecontroller may be configured to detect when a driver side door is in anopen state based upon a driver side door sensor in the vehicle, and whenreceiving fueling user input from a user menu within the vehicle, whenthe driver side door has entered the open state, and when the at leastone child safety seat is occupied. When these conditions exist, thecontroller may be configured to if the vehicle does not enter thefueling state within a first time period, then cause the vehicle toenter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enter the fuelingstate within a second time period greater than the first time period,then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state. In particular,while in the first alert state, the controller may be configured tocause an audio output of the vehicle to actuate periodically, and whenin the second alert state, the controller may be configured to cause anaudio output of the vehicle to actuate continuously.

In some embodiments, the vehicle safety system may further comprise aradio frequency identification (RFID) device reader within the vehicleand coupled to the controller, and the controller may be configured todetermine when an RFID tag associated with a pet is within the vehicle.When receiving fueling user input from the user menu within the vehicleand when the pet is detected within the vehicle, the controller may beconfigured to if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thefirst time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the first alertstate, and if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thesecond time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the second alertstate.

Moreover, the vehicle safety system may further comprise at least oneinfrared (IR) proximity sensor in the vehicle and coupled to thecontroller, and the controller may be configured to detect occupancy ofthe vehicle based upon the at least one IR proximity sensor. The vehiclesafety system may further comprise a wireless receiver coupled to thecontroller, and a wireless transmitter key fob remote device incommunication with the controller via the wireless receiver. Thecontroller may be configured to exit the first alert state or the secondalert state based upon input received from the wireless transmitter keyfob remote device.

The vehicle safety system may also comprise a cellular transceivercoupled to the controller, and the controller may be configured totransmit an alert message via the cellular transceiver when in thesecond alert state. Each seat sensor may comprise a first weight sensorembedded in a seat of the vehicle, and a second sensor coupled to a seatbelt buckle receptacle and configured to determine when the seat beltbuckle receptacle is in a latched state.

Another aspect is directed to a vehicle with a vehicle safety system forpreventing child abandonment therein. The vehicle may comprise a flowsensor for fuel in the vehicle, a driver side door sensor coupled to adriver side door, at least one seat sensor respectively associated withat least one child safety seat within the vehicle, and a controllercoupled to the flow sensor and the at least one seat sensor. Thecontroller may be configured to detect when the vehicle is in a fuelingstate based upon the flow sensor, detect occupancy of the at least onechild safety seat based upon the at least one seat sensor, and detectwhen the driver side door is in an open state based upon the driver sidedoor sensor in the vehicle. The controller may be configured to whenreceiving fueling user input from a user menu within the vehicle, whenthe driver side door has entered the open state, and when the at leastone child safety seat is occupied, if the vehicle does not enter thefueling state within a first time period, then cause the vehicle toenter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enter the fuelingstate within a second time period greater than the first time period,then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state.

Yet another aspect is directed to a method for installing a vehiclesafety system for preventing child abandonment in a vehicle. The methodmay comprise positioning a flow sensor for fuel in the vehicle,positioning at least one seat sensor respectively associated with atleast one child safety seat within the vehicle, and coupling acontroller to the flow sensor and the at least one seat sensor. Thecontroller may be configured to detect when the vehicle is in a fuelingstate based upon the flow sensor, detect occupancy of the at least onechild safety seat based upon the at least one seat sensor, and detectwhen a driver side door is in an open state based upon a driver sidedoor sensor in the vehicle. The controller may be configured to whenreceiving fueling user input from a user menu within the vehicle, whenthe driver side door has entered the open state, and when the at leastone child safety seat is occupied, if the vehicle does not enter thefueling state within a first time period, then cause the vehicle toenter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enter the fuelingstate within a second time period greater than the first time period,then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic top view of the ECM/ECU with the hardwiredharness connection connecting on the right side and the constituentsconnecting on the left side, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an individual breakdown of componentsconnecting to the ECM/ECU, according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B is a schematic cut out view of a vehicle, according tothe present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams of the fuel filler neck in thevehicle, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded view of an ABS brake system showing theECM/ECU connecting to the ABS control module for reading the ABS wheelspeed sensors via the control module, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a child secured in the child seat withthe hardwire leading from the rear of the seat connecting into theaccess port of the redesigned seatbelt buckle, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of the child seat and the position of theECM/ECU along with the hardwire leading from the ECM/ECU, according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of the child seat with a weight/occupancysensor covering the seating area and back support area and also displaysthe seatbelt sensor, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of position and view of the temperaturesensor, pet microchip reader, passive infrared sensors (PIR) and thewireless antenna, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram of the interior display screen displayinga logged child's name, picture and child's temperature live onto thevehicle display screen, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram of a logged child (name and photo) beingwelcomed into the vehicle and a happy birthday greeting once beingplaced into “their” child seat or infant carrier has been broughtonboard, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of the interior display screen expressingthe system is locked due to being in secure mode, according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram of the interior display screen displayingrefuel access mode, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7E is a schematic diagram of the interior display screen, accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a seatbelt buckle and a hardwire accessport, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a key fob, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a hardwire harness, according to thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 11-12 are schematic diagrams of non-native vehicle components andnative components in the vehicle safety system, according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the ECM/ECU in the vehicle safetysystem, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the child seat ECM/ECU.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts for operation of the vehicle safetysystem, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the ECM/ECU in the vehicle safetysystem, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of the vehiclesafety system, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notationis used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

This child vehicular abandonment prevention system seeks to address heatstroke deaths and abandonment of children and pets in vehicles. Thesystem includes an Electronic Control Module/Electronic Control Unit(ECM/ECU) comprising firmware, a CPU and the associated circuitry (FIG.13) capable of carrying out program instructions to implement, controland communicate with native vehicle components and the essentialconstituents. The ECM/ECU will monitor, command and control the entiresystem. A number of vehicle functions, such as the antilock brakingsystem (ABS) speed sensors, interior display screen, vehicle interiorspeakers, door locks, power windows, the vehicles' alarm system, A/C andheat, ignition, door ajar and seat weight sensor will connect to theECM/ECU through an aftermarket wire or pre-wired (i.e. an originalequipment manufacturer (OEM) wire harness) harness which would beseparate from the vehicles' wiring for the purpose of the lessor theintegration the easier to diagnose problems that may arise and would bepowered by vehicle electrical system.

Other constituents that will connect the ECM/ECU to assist in protectinga caregiver most precious cargo are, the child seat, wearable wirelessthermometer patch, fob key, a flow (ultra) sensor/meter, temperaturesensor, passive infrared sensors (PIR), alarm voice module, anInternational Standards Organization (ISO) pet microchip reader,wireless antenna (wireless child seat connectivity), the capability tocall 911 and text message logged love ones when secure mode isactivated, a hardwired harness (bridges the ECM/ECU and child seat viathe rear redesigned seatbelt buckles) and redesigned seatbelt bucklesthat allow plug-in access to the hardwired harness for the child/infantseats and child/infant seats that continuously monitors throughoutdriving.

In one approach disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2014/0121557 to Gannon et al.), a wearable wireless thermometer patch isadhered to a person's forehead and provides for a current bodytemperature, which would be displayed live over the vehicle displayscreen offering a caregiver constant intelligence about their sickchild.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A-2, a system includes an ECM/ECU 100.FIG. 1A with the hardwired harness connection 105 on the right side andthe constituents wire harness connecting 110 on the left side. TheECM/ECU 100 FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 will be the controllingentity of the system. It is the electronic circuitry that carries outthe instructions by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, controland input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. It'lldirect operation of the processor. It tells the computer's memory,arithmetic/logic unit and input/output (I/O) devices how to respond to aprogram's instructions. The vehicle auxiliary wiring would connect toit; it would not be wired into the vehicle wiring nor would the hostvehicle computer control any functions of the system or ECM/ECU FIGS. 1,1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299. The lessor the integration, the easier it is todiagnose any issues that may arrive. The ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS.2A-2B, 299 will allow access to download events of alarming, for thereason of authoritative investigations. Equipped with the latesthardware interface and software interface FIG. 1A, 100 for interfacingand uploading information by vehicle owner such as names of kids andpets, pictures of kids and pets, birthdays or special events of kids andpets which would be displayed over the vehicle's display screen FIG. 7Aand announced over the vehicle's speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 once thechild is placed in their assigned seat or a pet comes on board allowingthe ISO pet microchip reader FIGS. 2A-2B, 265 to read the pets' chip.With wireless capability FIGS. 2A-2B, 260 and hardware interface andsoftware interface, will allow the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B,299 to display the child's temperature FIG. 7, 700 on the vehicledisplay screen FIG. 7D, 100 through the wearable wireless thermometerdisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0121557 toGannon et al. The ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 will also allowupload of the caregiver and loved one's cell phone numbers for textmessage alert if system is triggered into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200,280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270.

FIG. 1B depicts an individual breakdown of all the constituents thatwould connect to the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 and itscapabilities such as 911 call/text message logged love ones FIGS. 2A-2B,295 and wireless reception/transmission FIGS. 2A-2B, 260.

FIGS. 2A-2B depict a cut out view of a vehicle for optic of allconstituents 200-299 and their positions and relationship to and in thevehicle.

FIGS. 3A & 3B. FIG. 3A depicts the position of a flow meter/sensor 300within the fuel filler neck FIG. 3B, 305B & FIG. 3: FIG. 3B depicts theposition of an Ultra Sonic flow meter/sensor 330B positioned outsideonto the fuel filler neck FIG. 3B, 305B. The flow meter/sensor FIG. 3A,300 would be constructed in the fuel filler neck whereas FIG. 3B, 330Bwould be constructed outside of the fuel filler neck FIG. 3B, 305B of avehicle to detect fuel flow. A vehicle could be equipped with eithertype. If a driver and child had to refuel, the driver would go to thevehicle display screen FIG. 7E, 100 and engage the refueling button FIG.7D. It will allow the driver to exit the vehicle, removing weight fromthe seat weight sensor FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 without the verbal interiormessage alarming over the vehicle interior speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 orthe vehicle going into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240,235, 250 & 270. The ECM/ECU timer FIG. 1A, 100 will allow 3 minutes tostart fueling the vehicle. If fueling doesn't start within 3 minutes,the system would trigger the vehicle horn to sound intermittently for 1minute before going into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230,240, 235, 250 & 270 believing the child has been abandoned. The 1 minuteis to alert the driver and or that time has expired before going intofull secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270which in addition to the vehicle intermittent horn sounding, the vehiclealarm, the alarm voice module, power door locks locking, ignitionstarting vehicle, elevating windows, temperature sensor determining A/Cor heat, A/C or heat being turned on, text message a logged love one anddialing 911 and GPS location at 10 minutes of alarming. While alarming“during” the 1 minute intermittent horn sounding, before going intosecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270, driverwould still be able to start refueling thwarting system from going intosecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270.

Once the flow sensor FIG. 3A, 300 & FIG. 3B, 305B detects flow, it wouldalert the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 to cease the vehiclealarm FIGS. 2A-2B, 280 and thwart the system from going into secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270. Once the driverhas finished fueling and the flow sensor FIG. 3A, 300 & FIG. 3B, 305Bdoesn't detect flow, the flow sensor FIG. 3A, 300 & FIG. 3B, 305B wouldsignal the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 to restart the3-minute grace period to allow the caregiver to reoccupy the vehicle andsit in a weight sensor seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 which would thwartalarming. If the caregiver doesn't reoccupy the vehicle before the 3minutes expire, the invention would trigger the vehicle horn to soundintermittently for 1 minute before going into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B,200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270 believing the child has beenabandoned. The 1 minute is to alert the driver and or that time hasexpired before going into full secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295,230, 240, 235, 250 & 270 which in addition to the vehicle intermittenthorn sounding, the vehicle alarm, the alarm voice module, power doorlocks locking, ignition starting vehicle, elevating windows, temperaturesensor determining A/C or heat, A/C or heat being turned on, textmessage a logged love one and dialing 911 and GPS location at 10 minutesof alarming.

If a driver stops to refuel and there is a passenger in a weight sensorseat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220, the driver wouldn't have to use refueling modeFIG. 7D. Refueling mode FIG. 7D is only for single occupant caregiverthat would pay at the pump. If a driver chose to pay inside, they wouldhave to remove the child or someone would have to be inside the vehicleoccupying a weight sensor seat, the system cannot be turned off ordisabled.

FIG. 4 depicts a skeleton view of an ABS brake system. ABS is a safetysystem that prevents a vehicle from skidding or sliding when the brakesare applied. When the brake is applied, the ABS control module FIG. 4,430 reads the speed data from the wheel speed sensors FIGS. 4, 420 & 400and sends the correct pressure to each wheel to prevent anysliding/skidding (wheels locking up). The present invention will use ABSwheel speed sensors FIGS. 4, 420 & 400 to determine when the vehicle isin motion. The job of the wheel speed sensors FIGS. 4, 420 & 400 is toconstantly monitor and report the rotational speed of each tire to theABS control module FIG. 4, 430. On vehicles that have rotors, each wheelwill have a wheel speed sensor FIG. 4, 420. On vehicles that have reardrums (instead of rotors), one sensor would monitor both wheels. Thepresent invention will read all wheel speed sensors FIGS. 4, 420 & 400on a vehicle via the ABS control module FIG. 4, 430. Vehicle motiondetection stops an attempt to circumvent the system by placing pseudoweight on a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220. Vehicle motiondetection will work in conjunction with the PIR FIG. 6, 605. If there isweight in a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220, but no vehiclemotion, the passive infrared sensors FIG. 6, 605 would detect for humanpresence, if the passive infrared sensors FIG. 6, 605 doesn't detect ahuman, the system would immediately alarm in secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B,200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270. When a vehicle owner firstapproaches a vehicle equipped with the Child Vehicular AbandonmentPrevention System, upon the door ajar sensor FIGS. 2A-2B, 225 beingtripped, a signal would be sent to the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS.2A-2B, 299 and the pet ISO chip reader 265 would be awaken. The childseat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C and the pet ISO chip reader 265 will remain awakeuntil the ABS wheel speed sensor FIGS. 4, 420 & 400 detects motion. Ifvehicle owner didn't place a child in the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5Cor a pet doesn't come aboard, the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299would place the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C and the pet ISO chip reader265, 610 back into sleep mode. A secondary method of vehicle motiondetection would be the transmission speed sensor (TSS), also commonlyreferred to as a vehicle speed sensor (VSS). Vehicle motion detection isfor stopping an attempt to circumvent the system by placing pseudoweight on a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220.

FIG. 5A depicts the child seat with its hardwire FIG. 5A, 500 pluggedinto the redesigned seatbelt buckle FIG. 5A, 505. The hardwire FIG. 5A,500 connection leading from the child seat would plug directly into theport on the host vehicle redesigned seat belt buckle FIG. 5A, 505mechanism. Once connected, the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299would then recognize the seat like a computer recognizes a thumb driveallowing verbal alerts/alarms to be relayed through the host vehiclespeakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 and the vehicle display screen FIG. 7E, 100.Interfacing between child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C and the ECM/ECU FIGS.1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 through the vehicle display screen FIG. 7E,100 will allow the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C to be programmed to thechild's name (such as the name of the child who will be occupying theseat) and displayed over the vehicle display screen FIG. 7B, 705A.Interfacing capability also allows the owner of the child seat FIGS. 5A,5B & 50 to upload their information such as name and cell numbers to thechild seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C ECM/ECU FIG. 5B, 500B. With the child andowner information uploaded to the child seat ECM/ECU FIG. 5B, 500B, ifthe seat is removed from one caregiver vehicle to another caregivervehicle equipped with the Child Vehicular Abandonment Prevention System,the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C would sync to the new vehicle ECM/ECUFIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 along with the child's and owner'sinformation by wireless FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 or hardwire FIG. B connection.In this instance, if the new caregiver vehicle is triggered into securemode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270, the newcaregiver vehicle ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 would textmessage the programmed seat owners from the new caregiver vehiclealerting the programmed owners of the situation.

The child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C is capable of being programmed throughUSB by a home PC, laptop or through the vehicle display screen FIG. 7E,7D 805 interfacing once sync FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 or plugged in FIG. 8, 800.The child seat FIG. 5C, 100 will acknowledge a child by weight/presence,detecting 6 ounces and greater. If a parent or guardian places a childin a programmed child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C, the invention would saywelcome to the child by their name over the vehicle interior speakersFIGS. 2A-2B, 245. After saying welcome, the invention will repeatedlysay the child's name over the vehicle speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 and thathe/she is onboard (example; welcome Chris, Chris is onboard, Chris isonboard, Chris is onboard) over the vehicle speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245until the driver or someone occupies a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS.2A-2B, 220.

If a driver seats more than one child in programmed child seats FIGS.5A, 5B & 5C, the invention would say welcome to each child as they aresecured in their seats, with more than one child seated, the repeatedinterior speaker FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 alert would say “children onboard”. Ifa child seatbelt FIG. 5C, 200 becomes unfasten, the invention wouldalert vocally over the interior speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 repeatedlysaying the child's name and that the seatbelt FIG. 5C, 200 has becomeunfasten. If the child seat hardwire FIG. 5A, 500 connection becomesdisconnected from the seatbelt access port FIG. 5A, 505, FIG. 8, 800 theinvention will verbal alert over the vehicle speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245saying “wire connection has been lost”, the invention wireless antennaFIGS. 2A-2B, 202 would then pick up child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5Cwireless signal. In both instances, the vehicle display screen FIG. 7E,would also display messages stating the loss of connectivity. Theinvention would distinguish alerts/alarms by each child seat FIGS. 5A,5B & 5C. When the driver has reached their destination, as soon thevehicle door ajar FIGS. 2A-2B, 225 is detected, the invention will alertover the vehicle speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 repeatedly saying the child'sname and that they are onboard (Chris is onboard, Chris is onboard,Chris is onboard/if more than one child, it would repeatedly saychildren are onboard) until the child/children are removed from thechild seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C. When a driver exits the vehicle removingweight from the seat weight sensor FIGS. 2A-2B, 220, the ECM/ECU FIGS.1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 will allow 3 minutes for driver to removechild from the child seat FIG. 5A. If child isn't removed in 3 minutes,system will trigger the vehicle horn to sound intermittently for 1minute before going into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230,240, 235, 299, & 270 believing the child has been abandoned. The 1minute is to alert the driver and or that time has expired before goinginto full secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 &270 which in addition to the intermittent horn sounding, the vehiclealarm, the alarm voice module, power door locks locking, ignitionstarting vehicle, elevating windows, temperature sensor determining A/Cor heat, A/C or heat being turned on, text message a logged love one anddialing 911 and GPS location at 10 minutes of alarming. When not in use,child seat FIG. 5A will go into sleep mode. The child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B& 5C and the pet ISO microchip reader 265 & 610 awakens by vehicle doorajar FIGS. 2A-2B, 225 without ignition FIGS. 2A-2B, 230 on or vehicleengine running. When a vehicle owner first approaches a vehicle equippedwith the Child Vehicular Abandonment Prevention System, upon the doorajar sensor FIGS. 2A-2B, 225 being tripped, a signal would be sent tothe ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 to wake the child seat FIGS.5A, 5B & 5C. The child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C will remain awake untilthe ABS wheel speed sensor FIGS. 4, 420 & 400 detects motion. If childseat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C weight/occupancy sensor FIG. 5C haven't detecteda presence once wheel speed sensors FIGS. 4, 420 & 400 detects motion,the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 would place the child seatFIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C back into sleep mode. If a child or children areplaced in the child seats FIGS. 5A, 5B & 50, the driver will have 3minutes per child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C to secure each child andoccupying a weighted sensor seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 to detour secure modealarming FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 299 & 270. Theinvention will not discriminate from wireless sync or plugged in childseats FIG. 5B to execute time limit. If only one child is being seatedin a child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C rather sync or plugged into thesystem, the system will have a 3-minute limit for a driver to secure thechild and occupy a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220. If 2children are being seated, driver would have 6 minutes to occupy aweight sensor seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220; if 3 children are being seated,driver would have 9 minutes to seat all children and occupy a weightsensor seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220 to thwart secure mode alarming FIGS. 2A-2B,200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270. The ECM/ECU timer FIG. 1A, 100would reset the 3 minutes once the next child is placed in their childseat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 50 and the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C detectsweight/presence FIG. 50, 100. When the driver has reached theirdestination with 2 or more children onboard and exit the vehicle, if thedriver doesn't remove the first child in 3 minutes, system will triggerthe vehicle horn to sound intermittently for 1 minute before going intosecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270believing the child has been abandon. The 1 minute is to alert thedriver and or that time has expired before going into full secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 which in additionto the intermittent horn sounding, the vehicle alarm, the alarm voicemodule, power door locks locking, ignition starting vehicle, elevatingwindows, temperature sensor determining A/C or heat, A/C or heat beingturned on, text message a logged love one and dialing 911 and GPSlocation at 10 minutes of alarming. If the 1 minute intermittent hornsounding is triggered, caregiver would still have an opportunity toremove child/children during the intermittent horn sounding beforevehicle goes into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235,250, & 270 by removing child/children from their child seat which wouldcease the intermittent horn sounding and thwart secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B,200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 alarming. The child seatECM/ECU FIG. 5B, 500B would signal the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS.2A-2B, 299 to restart the 3 minutes each time a child is removed from achild seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C. The child seat ECM/ECU FIG. 5B, 500B wouldbe mounted on rear of child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C. All above applies toinfant carrier seats.

FIG. 6 depicts a cockpit interior view of a vehicle displaying theposition of the temperature sensor 600, passive infrared sensors 605,ISO pet microchip reader 610 and the wireless antenna 615. Thetemperature sensor FIG. 6, 600 will read the vehicle inside temperatureonly. The sole purpose of the temperature sensor is determining ratherthe A/C or heat FIGS. 2A-2B, 250 would be turned on during secure modealarming FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270. Thetemperature sensor FIG. 6, 600 is not used to trigger the system toalarm due to perilous interior temperature, but as the above, thetemperature sensor FIG. 6, 600 only determines rather the A/C or heatFIGS. 2A-2B, 250 will be turned on during secure mode alarming FIGS.2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270. The invention does notalarm by temperature threat, secure mode alarming FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280,295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 is triggered after the intermittent hornsounding has alarmed for 1 minute due to the 3-9 minute timer has beenignored and weight being removed from all weight sensor enabled seatsFIGS. 2A-2B, 220 with a child/children still seated in the child seatFIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C or a pet haven't been removed leaving the system tobelieve a child/children or pet has been left unattended. The vehiclehorn would alarm intermittently first for 1 minute. The 1 minute is toalert the driver and or that time has expired before going into fullsecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250 & 270 whichin addition to the intermittent horn sounding, the vehicle alarm, thealarm voice module, power door locks locking, ignition starting vehicle,elevating windows, temperature sensor determining A/C or heat, A/C orheat being turned on, text message a logged love one and dialing 911 andGPS location at 10 minutes of alarming. FIG. 6, 605 represents passiveinfrared sensors. The term passive in this instance refers to the factthat PIR devices do not generate or radiate any energy for detectionpurposes. They work entirely by detecting the energy given off by otherobjects. PIR sensors don't detect or measure “heat”; instead they detectthe infrared radiation emitted or reflected from an object. All objectswith a temperature above absolute zero emit heat energy in the form ofradiation. Usually this radiation isn't visible to the human eye becauseit radiates at infrared wavelengths, but it can be detected byelectronic devices designed for such a purpose. Seat weight sensorsFIGS. 2A-2B, 220 detection can possibly be circumvented by placingweighted items on the seat. For this cause, the invention would have PIRsensors FIG. 6, 605 capable of detecting the entire vehicle interior.FIG. 6, 605 sensor will work in conjunction with the ABS wheel sensorFIGS. 4, 400 & 420 for motion detection. Meaning, if there's no vehiclemotion and a child is seated in the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C andweight is present in a weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220, thePIR sensors FIG. 6, 605 would activate to make sure the weight is humannot pseudo. If no human presence is detected, the invention willimmediately alarm in secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240,235, 250 & 270 believing there is an attempt to circumvent the systemand an abandonment situation. No motion consists of the transmission inany gear and engine running or not or parked. FIG. 6, 610 is an ISO petmicrochip reader (International Standards Organization), the globalstandard that is consistent worldwide and use the ISO standard frequencyis 134.2 kHz. Since pet chips don't operate on the same frequency, theISO capable readers are capable of reading all frequencies. For example,if a dog was implanted with an ISO standard microchip in the U.S.travels to Europe with its owners and becomes lost, the ISO standardscanners in Europe would be able to read the dog's microchip. If the dogwas implanted with a non-ISO microchip and the ISO scanner was notforward- and backward-reading (universal), the dog's microchip might notbe detected or be read by the scanner. The ISO chip reader FIG. 6, 610is for detecting pets in a vehicle and would prompt the system toacknowledge a pet once it enters the vehicle by saying welcome to thepet by its name if logged. If a microchipped pet was left in a vehicleequipped with the invention, the vehicle would alarm in secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 announcing “petonboard unattended”. If a child and pet is left in a vehicle equippedwith the invention, vehicle would alarm in secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200,280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 announcing the threat to the child,“child onboard unattended”. If a pet is in the vehicle, as soon as thesystem detects the vehicle door ajar FIGS. 2A-2B, 225, it would alarmover the vehicles speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 saying pet onboard or by thepet's name if it has been programmed into the system saying the pet'sname is onboard. If a child and pet was in the vehicle, as soon as thesystem detects the vehicle door ajar FIGS. 2A-2B, 225, it would alarmover the vehicles speakers FIGS. 2A-2B, 245 saying child name is onboardif logged. The invention will continue to alarm until pet is removedfrom the vehicle. Driver will have 3 minutes to remove pet from thevehicle after exiting from weight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220of vehicle. If pet isn't removed in 3 minutes and no one is occupying aweight sensor enabled seat FIGS. 2A-2B, 220, system will trigger thevehicle horn to sound intermittently for 1 minute before going intosecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270believing the pet has been abandoned. The 1 minute is to alert thedriver and or that time has expired before going into full secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 which in additionto the intermittent horn sounding, the vehicle alarm, the alarm voicemodule, power door locks locking, ignition starting vehicle, elevatingwindows, temperature sensor determining A/C or heat, A/C or heat beingturned on, text message a logged love one and dialing 911 and GPSlocation at 10 minutes of alarming. If pet is removed from vehiclewithout incident, once pet exit the vehicle and the ISO chip reader 265,610 disengages the pet microchip, the ISO chip reader 265, 610 would goback into sleep mode.

FIG. 6, 615 is a wireless antenna to accommodate the wireless capabilityof the child seat FIG. 5B. The wireless capability will transmitwireless communication between the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B,299, the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C & for the interior display screenFIG. 7E, 100 to display wearable wireless thermometer patch (See, e.g.,U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0121557 to Gannon et al.)24-hour intelligent thermometer that's wearable, wireless andcontinuously monitors a child's temperature to be displayed on thevehicle's interior display screen FIG. 7A, 700.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D & 7E depict the interior display of a vehicle. Itwill allow access to the invention functions such as refueling mode FIG.7D, live display of a child's temperature FIG. 7A through the wearablewireless thermometer patch (See, e.g., U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0121557 to Gannon et al.) 24-hour intelligentthermometer that's wearable, wireless and continuously monitors achild's temperature. Programming through touch screen capability anddisplay alarms/alerts situation status. Vehicle owners would haveinterface interaction with the system through the vehicle display screenFIG. 7E. Pictures of a child or pet would be displayed through thedisplay screen when alarming/alerting, welcoming a child or pet andspecial events such as birthdays FIG. 7B, 705A. FIG. 7C, 710B willdisplay if vehicle goes into secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295,230, 240, 235, 250, & 270.

FIG. 8 depicts a conventional seatbelt buckle redesigned with an accessport to allow FIG. 5A, 500 & FIG. 5B, 505B to plug into the seatbeltbuckle FIG. 8. Every vehicle rear seat buckle FIG. 8 will have an accessport FIG. 8, 800 without losing integrity to secure occupants. Thehardwired harness FIG. 10, B1 bridges the connection between the ECM/ECUFIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 and the seatbelt access port FIG. 8, 800from underneath the vehicle seating while FIG. 5A, 500 & FIG. 5B, 505Bwill connect to the seatbelt access port FIG. 5A, 505.

FIG. 9 depicts a key fob with only an unlock feature. It is a keylessentry device that only first responders would have to disarm/unlock aChild Vehicular Abandonment Prevention System equipped vehicle when insecure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270. Firstresponders typically include Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, Troopers,Firefighters, Paramedics, EMT and Rescuers. Key fob (FIG. 9) may also begiven to any Citizens Patrol program. Civilians who may investigate analarming Child Vehicular Abandonment Prevention System equipped vehiclewouldn't have to attempt to gain access inside the vehicle due to thesystem would make it comfortable for the child (AC or heat FIGS. 2A-2B,250) and secure (doors locked FIGS. 2A-2B, 240). In most cases,civilians who witness an alarming Child Vehicular Abandonment PreventionSystem equipped vehicle, would call authorities before the 10 minutes'lapse at which the invention would phone authorities, this eliminatespremature calls to authorities from the invention. A first responderwould come and unlock the vehicle due to the vehicle entering securemode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 which denotesa possible abandonment situation. This gives authorities the opportunityto question the caregiver and investigate the situation. If system isprovoked to alarm in secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240,235, 250, & 270, but a door or doors are left open, the invention wouldtrigger an abridged version of full secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280,295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 in which of FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295,230 would only activate and the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299would “immediately” contact 911 FIGS. 2A-2B, 295, text message loggedlove ones, give Global Positioning System (GPS) location and lock theignition FIGS. 2A-2B, 230 preventing anyone starting the vehicle andwouldn't start the vehicle if doors are open. FIG. 9 is only capable oftriggering the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 to disarm/unlocka Child Vehicular Abandonment Prevention System equipped vehicle that isin secure mode FIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270;FIGS. 2A-2B, 230, 200, 280 & 295. Once a Child Vehicular AbandonmentPrevention System equipped vehicle is triggered into secure mode FIGS.2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 299, & 270 the vehicle owner hardkey or key fob wouldn't be capable of unlocking the vehicle. Secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 would block thehard key from unlocking the vehicle doors and cancel out the owner's keyfob signal until the vehicle has been disarmed/unlocked from secure modeFIGS. 2A-2B, 200, 280, 295, 230, 240, 235, 250, & 270 by key fob FIG. 9.Key fob (FIG. 9) would use a different signal from the vehicle's keylessentry signal to trigger the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 todisarm/unlock. The vehicle hard key door lock will not allow the hardkey to unlock the vehicle door when in secure mode.

FIG. 10 (1001, 1002, 1003) depicts a hardwire harness with an ECM/ECUFIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 connection FIGS. B2 and 3 rear seatbeltbuckles connections. The hardwire harness FIG. 10 would be mounted invehicles at production. Its bridges the ECM/ECU FIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS.2A-2B, 299 and child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C. Its purpose is to transmitand receive electronic messages, alerts and alarms from the ECM/ECUFIGS. 1A, 1B & FIGS. 2A-2B, 299 & the child seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C. Thehardwire harness FIG. 10 would also maintain a charge and recharge thechild seat FIGS. 5A, 5B & 5C.

FIG. 11 lists all the components in which makes up the system. FIG. 12list all the vehicle accessories/components in which the disclosed childvehicle abandonment prevention system (CVAPS) would employ. FIG. 13depicts the architecture of CVAPS ECM/ECU electronic circuitry. FIG. 14depicts a stick aero flow chart signal sequence between the ECM/ECU,vehicle components/accessories and child seat ECM/ECU when accessing anunoccupied CVAPS equipped vehicle for first use, placing a child in thechild seat. FIG. 15 depicts a flow chart signal sequence of a driver andchild occupant, engaging refueling mode while the child remains in thevehicle secured in the child seat.

CVAPS is an innate system which would be assembled in the host vehicleat factory production. The ECM/ECU would preferably be mounted in theengine compartment (front clip) of the vehicle. The pet microchipreader, wireless antenna and temperature sensor would preferably bemounted onto the interior ceiling of the host vehicle. The passiveinfrared sensors would preferably be mounted onto the front interiorroof pillars of the host vehicle. The alarm voice module wouldpreferably be mounted in the engine compartment area (front clip) of thehost vehicle. The hardwire harness will be situated along the floorboardunderneath the carpeting and insulation of the host vehicle running fromthe front clip area to the rear seating of the host vehicle. Theredesigned rear seatbelt buckles would remain in their natural place asdefined by the vehicle maker. The flow sensor/meter will be constructedinside of the fuel filler neck, congruous to each vehicle maker part andstandard. The ultra-sonic flow sensor/meter will be constructed outsideof the fuel filler neck congruous to each vehicle maker part andstandard.

The child seat would be designed and constructed according to FederalMotor Vehicle Safety Standard with its ECM/ECU constructed onto it. Thefob key will be constructed to disarm the ECM/ECU out of secure mode.All of the above constituents will connect to the ECM/ECU through wireconnections or wireless. The wearable wireless thermometer patchwireless capability will sync to CVAPS wireless capability to display achild's temporal temperature, in other words, the wearable wirelessthermometer patch would not be wired to the ECM/ECU. It is to beunderstood that CVAPS is open loop or constant current system that whenthe host vehicle is approached for first use, opening any door of a hostvehicle awakens the system through door ajar sensor/signal. If a childis placed in the child seat or a pet comes aboard, the entire CVAPS willbecome active and render protection as long as the system detects achild or pet presence until the child or pet is removed. If no child orpet comes aboard, the system would go back into sleep mode. This negatesdetermining if the vehicle ignition position is on or off.

Herein is provided a new and improved means for preventing theabandonment of a child/children or pet occupants in a vehicle which hasheretofore not been taught. Thus, there has been provided a system foralerting a driver “before exiting” a vehicle to the presence of a childor pet, and civilians external to a vehicle of the presence of a childor pet inside a vehicle with capability of policing a driver's timeoutside of a vehicle and allowing authorities to investigateimmediately.

As shown in FIG. 17, the ECM/ECU includes a plurality of connections andpower supply connections.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 18, a vehicle 900 with an exampleembodiment of a vehicle safety system 920 for preventing childabandonment is now described. It should be appreciated that any of theabove described features can be incorporated into this embodiment.

The vehicle 900 illustratively comprises a flow sensor 901 for fuel inthe vehicle, a driver side door sensor 902 coupled to a driver sidedoor, at least one seat sensor 903 respectively associated with at leastone child safety seat 904 within the vehicle, and a controller 905coupled to the flow sensor and the at least one seat sensor. In someembodiments, the flow sensor 901 is within a fuel tank filler neck ofthe vehicle 900, and in other embodiments, the flow sensor may belocated elsewhere.

Each seat sensor 903 may comprise a first weight sensor embedded in aseat of the vehicle 900, and a second sensor coupled to a seat beltbuckle receptacle and configured to determine when the seat belt bucklereceptacle is in a latched state. In some embodiments, the multi-sensordevice is integrated into a single housing or package, but in otherembodiments, the multiple sensors may be carried in separate housings.

The controller 905 is configured to detect when the vehicle 900 is in afueling state based upon the flow sensor 901, detect occupancy of the atleast one child safety seat 904 based upon the at least one seat sensor903, and detect when the driver side door is in an open state based uponthe driver side door sensor 902 in the vehicle. The controller 905 isconfigured to when receiving fueling user input from a user menu 906within the vehicle 900. The fueling user input is indicative of a userof the vehicle 900 intending to fuel the vehicle. Since the vehiclesafety system 920 monitors for potential abandoned children in thevehicle 900, the typical act of fueling may wrongly appear to be ahazardous scenario. To avoid unwanted alarms and annoyance to the user,the user generates the fueling user input to inform the vehicle safetysystem 920 of the fueling. Nevertheless, the vehicle safety system 920stills monitors for potential abandonment, as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle safety system 920 furthercomprises an RFID device reader 909 within the vehicle 900 and coupledto the controller 905. The controller 905 is configured to determinewhen an RFID tag associated with a pet is within the vehicle 900.

Once the controller 905 receives the fueling user input, the controllermonitors (i.e. enters a monitoring state) for one or more of thefollowing conditions: when the driver side door has entered the openstate (i.e. driver has left the vehicle); when the at least one childsafety seat 904 is occupied; and when the pet is detected within thevehicle 900. Once the conditions are detected, if the vehicle 900 doesnot enter the fueling state within a first time period (e.g. 3 minutes),the controller 905 then causes the vehicle to enter a first alert state,and if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a second timeperiod (e.g. 4 minutes or 1 minute after the expiration of the firsttime period) greater than the first time period, then cause the vehicle900 to enter a second alert state.

In particular, while in the first alert state, the controller 905 isconfigured to cause an audio output (e.g. one or more of vehicle horn,vehicle audio system, vehicle alarm siren) of the vehicle 900 to actuateperiodically. In other words, the first alert state may comprise achirping indicator state. When in the second alert state, the controller905 is configured to cause an audio output of the vehicle 900 to actuatecontinuously.

Moreover, the vehicle safety system 920 illustratively includes at leastone IR proximity sensor 907 in the vehicle 900 and coupled to thecontroller 905, and the controller is configured detect occupancy of thevehicle 904 based upon the at least one IR proximity sensor. Inparticular, the at least one IR proximity sensor 907 is configured tomonitor when front driver and front passenger occupants leave thevehicle 900. The at least one IR proximity sensor 907 represents aredundant occupancy check for the at least one child safety seat 904.

The vehicle safety system 920 comprises a wireless receiver 910 coupledto the controller 905, and a wireless transmitter 911 (e.g. key fobremote device) in communication with the controller 905 via the wirelessreceiver. The controller 905 is configured to exit the first alert stateor the second alert state based upon input received from the wirelesstransmitter 911.

The vehicle safety system 920 illustratively comprises a cellulartransceiver 912 coupled to the controller 905, and the controller isconfigured to transmit an alert message via the cellular transceiverwhen in the second alert state. For drawing clarity, only one childsafety seat 904, one seat sensor 903, one IR proximity detector 907, andone RFID reader 909 are shown, but it should be appreciated that thevehicle 900 may include respective pluralities of these devices.

Yet another aspect is directed to a method for installing a vehiclesafety system 920 for preventing child abandonment in a vehicle 900. Themethod comprises positioning a flow sensor 901 within a fuel tank fillerneck of the vehicle 900, positioning at least one seat sensor 903respectively associated with at least one child safety seat 904 withinthe vehicle, and coupling a controller 905 to the flow sensor and the atleast one seat sensor. The controller 905 is configured to detect whenthe vehicle 900 is in a fueling state based upon the flow sensor 901,detect occupancy of the at least one child safety seat 904 based uponthe at least one seat sensor 903, and detect when a driver side door isin an open state based upon a driver side door sensor 902 in thevehicle. The controller 905 is configured to when receiving user inputto enter the fueling state from a user menu 905 within the vehicle 900,when the driver side door has entered the open state, and when the atleast one child safety seat 904 is occupied, if the vehicle does notenter the fueling state within a first time period, then cause thevehicle to enter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enterthe fueling state within a second time period greater than the firsttime period, then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is notto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and thatmodifications and embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle safety system for preventingchild abandonment in a vehicle, the vehicle safety system comprising: aflow sensor for fuel in the vehicle; at least one seat sensorrespectively associated with at least one child safety seat within thevehicle; and a controller coupled to said flow sensor and said at leastone seat sensor, said controller configured to detect when the vehicleis in a fueling state based upon said flow sensor, detect occupancy ofthe at least one child safety seat based upon said at least one seatsensor, detect when a driver side door is in an open state based upon adriver side door sensor in the vehicle, and when receiving fueling userinput from a user menu within the vehicle, when the driver side door hasentered the open state, and when the at least one child safety seat isoccupied, if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a firsttime period, then cause the vehicle to enter a first alert state, and ifthe vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a second time periodgreater than the first time period, then cause the vehicle to enter asecond alert state.
 2. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 whereinwhile in the first alert state, said controller is configured to causean audio output of the vehicle to actuate periodically.
 3. The vehiclesafety system of claim 1 wherein while in the second alert state, saidcontroller is configured to cause an audio output of the vehicle toactuate continuously.
 4. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 furthercomprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) device reader withinthe vehicle and coupled to said controller; and wherein said controlleris configured to determine when an RFID tag associated with a pet iswithin the vehicle.
 5. The vehicle safety system of claim 4 wherein whenreceiving fueling user input from the user menu within the vehicle andwhen the pet is detected within the vehicle, said controller isconfigured to if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thefirst time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the first alertstate, and if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thesecond time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the second alertstate.
 6. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 further comprising atleast one infrared (IR) proximity sensor in the vehicle and coupled tosaid controller; and wherein said controller is configured detectoccupancy of the vehicle based upon the at least one IR proximitysensor.
 7. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 further comprising awireless receiver coupled to said controller, and a wireless transmitterkey fob remote device in communication with said controller via saidwireless receiver; and wherein said controller is configured to exit thefirst alert state or the second alert state based upon input receivedfrom said wireless transmitter key fob remote device.
 8. The vehiclesafety system of claim 1 further comprising a cellular transceivercoupled to said controller; and wherein said controller is configured totransmit an alert message via said cellular transceiver when in thesecond alert state.
 9. The vehicle safety system of claim 1 wherein eachseat sensor comprises a first weight sensor embedded in a seat of thevehicle, and a second sensor coupled to a seat belt buckle receptacleand configured to determine when the seat belt buckle receptacle is in alatched state.
 10. A vehicle with a vehicle safety system for preventingchild abandonment therein, the vehicle comprising: a flow sensor forfuel in the vehicle; a driver side door sensor coupled to a driver sidedoor; at least one seat sensor respectively associated with at least onechild safety seat within the vehicle; and a controller coupled to saidflow sensor and said at least one seat sensor, said controllerconfigured to detect when the vehicle is in a fueling state based uponsaid flow sensor, detect occupancy of the at least one child safety seatbased upon said at least one seat sensor, detect when the driver sidedoor is in an open state based upon said driver side door sensor in thevehicle, and when receiving fueling user input from a user menu withinthe vehicle, when the driver side door has entered the open state, andwhen the at least one child safety seat is occupied, if the vehicle doesnot enter the fueling state within a first time period, then cause thevehicle to enter a first alert state, and if the vehicle does not enterthe fueling state within a second time period greater than the firsttime period, then cause the vehicle to enter a second alert state. 11.The vehicle of claim 10 wherein while in the first alert state, saidcontroller is configured to cause an audio output of the vehicle toactuate periodically.
 12. The vehicle of claim 10 wherein while in thesecond alert state, said controller is configured to cause an audiooutput of the vehicle to actuate continuously.
 13. The vehicle of claim10 further comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) devicereader within the vehicle and coupled to said controller; and whereinsaid controller is configured to determine when an RFID tag associatedwith a pet is within the vehicle.
 14. The vehicle of claim 13 whereinwhen receiving fueling user input from the user menu within the vehicleand when the pet is detected within the vehicle, said controller isconfigured to if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thefirst time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the first alertstate, and if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within thesecond time period, then cause the vehicle to enter the second alertstate.
 15. The vehicle of claim 10 further comprising at least oneinfrared (IR) proximity sensor in the vehicle and coupled to saidcontroller; and wherein said controller is configured detect occupancyof the vehicle based upon the at least one IR proximity sensor.
 16. Thevehicle of claim 10 further comprising a wireless receiver coupled tosaid controller, and a wireless transmitter key fob remote device incommunication with said controller via said wireless receiver; andwherein said controller is configured to exit the first alert state orthe second alert state based upon input received from said wirelesstransmitter key fob remote device.
 17. The vehicle of claim 10 furthercomprising a cellular transceiver coupled to said controller; andwherein said controller is configured to transmit an alert message viasaid cellular transceiver when in the second alert state.
 18. A methodfor installing a vehicle safety system for preventing child abandonmentin a vehicle, the method comprising: positioning a flow sensor for fuelin the vehicle; positioning at least one seat sensor respectivelyassociated with at least one child safety seat within the vehicle; andcoupling a controller to the flow sensor and the at least one seatsensor, the controller configured to detect when the vehicle is in afueling state based upon the flow sensor, detect occupancy of the atleast one child safety seat based upon the at least one seat sensor,detect when a driver side door is in an open state based upon a driverside door sensor in the vehicle, and when receiving fueling user inputfrom a user menu within the vehicle, when the driver side door hasentered the open state, and when the at least one child safety seat isoccupied, if the vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a firsttime period, then cause the vehicle to enter a first alert state, and ifthe vehicle does not enter the fueling state within a second time periodgreater than the first time period, then cause the vehicle to enter asecond alert state.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein while in thefirst alert state, the controller is configured to cause an audio outputof the vehicle to actuate periodically, and while in the second alertstate, cause an audio output of the vehicle to actuate continuously. 20.The method of claim 18 further comprising coupling a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) device reader within the vehicle to thecontroller; and wherein the controller is configured to determine whenan RFID tag associated with a pet is within the vehicle.